Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell is spearheading an effort alongside 16 other attorneys general to urge Congress to maintain the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). This legislation, passed in 2022, has been pivotal in providing investments across various sectors nationwide. The coalition recently sent a letter to congressional leaders highlighting the IRA's significant contributions to the economy, energy resources, and infrastructure.
The IRA has delivered benefits through tax credits, incentives, and grant programs. It aims to enhance domestic energy security, reduce costs, diversify energy resources, rebuild manufacturing, modernize infrastructure, and create jobs while reducing pollution.
AG Campbell stated: “The promise of the Inflation Reduction Act is extraordinary. It supports an equitable transition to a clean-energy economy while driving historic reinvestments in the jobs and infrastructure on which our communities depend.” She emphasized her pride in leading this coalition urging Congress to acknowledge the law's importance.
According to the coalition’s letter, private funding due to the IRA has significantly impacted communities known for energy production and manufacturing. In its first two years, private investments in clean energy have outpaced public investment five- to six-fold. Notable developments include new job creation in Michigan's electric vehicle industry and substantial factory projects near Atlanta and Charleston. In Massachusetts, initiatives like a clean hydrogen gigafactory in Devens and a battery technology center in Marlborough are already generating jobs.
Beyond tax provisions, towns nationwide are using IRA grants for infrastructure repairs. For example, Appalachian Community Capital used an EPA grant to establish a Green Bank for Rural America.
The coalition warns that repealing any part of the IRA could jeopardize progress in energy security and economic development. They urge Congress to preserve the legislation during upcoming budget negotiations.
Attorneys general from California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina Rhode Island Vermont and Wisconsin joined AG Campbell in signing the letter.